Cycle News

CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R Not Marc Marquez? Is the April Fool's issue out early? James Stewart–Banned I think it's a shame that the FIM has banned James Stewart from racing Supercross for the entire 2015 season. This seems like an extreme penalty to impose on a professional athlete for tak- ing a medication prescribed by his physician. There would be obviously a reason for a physi- cian to prescribe a drug; he is not buying it on the black market so he can somehow use it as a performance-enhancing drug. Motorcycle racing is a sport where top riders are frequently injured and not able to compete due to those injuries. When any of those riders are not able to compete with one another it di- minishes racing and competition. The FIM's action to ban James Stewart, instead of simply warn- ing him not to take this "banned prescription," is extreme. They are taking away from every fan of this type of rac- ing the opportunity to see one of the best riders in this sport compete against his peers. The FIM should be reminded that everyone who makes money from the sport of Supercross does so because people watch it to see great races. Not to take anything away from every rider that races, but this year the top rider Ryan Villipoto, will not be racing and now a perfectly healthy James Stewart will not be racing. It is strange to me that Ameri- can Supercross is governed by a European body that doesn't even have a European Supercross series. It is also ironic that James Stewart is banned from racing in a series that is sponsored by a sports energy drink company that sells a product used for the purpose of providing a highly caf- feinated, performance enhanc- ing energy drink. All because he has a prescription for a drug that gives one some increased level of attention, possibly so he doesn't fall off his bike as much, helpful if you happen to be riding behind him. For me there is going to be a lot less interest in turning the TV on to watch the 2015 Supercross series. I am also not in favor of a European Motor- cycling Federation telling me what Americans can race in an American racing series. Jeffrey Patterson West Chester, PA Total BS! Euro sanctioning body telling an American racing icon he can't race. Where's the AMA? Dino DiGiacomo Via the Internet He knew better and also knew the consequences. How about a little accountability? Amy Messer Via the Internet Rider Of The Year While I don't wish to belittle Ken Roczen in any way, he is defi- nitely a worthy champion, but what does Greg Hancock have to do to get a little respect? He is the oldest Speedway World Champion ever (and the second oldest, as he broke his own record), the only rider ever to win a World Championship after missing a GP due to injury, and up until then, the only rider to have ridden in every GP. Finally, he's the only American ever to win three Speedway World Championships. Kudos to Cycle News for at least interviewing him, and the way he's going, maybe he'll win again in 2015 and then he can be Man of the Year. Thanks for a great publication. John Craft Via the Internet Not Marc Marquez? Is the April Fool's issue out early? John Wiseman Via the Internet More Brands Thank you for keeping us race fans updated on all forms of cycle racing. I have been a dirt track fan for many years—keep the race info coming. One thing I have noticed is the attendance of motocross and Supercross events. I asked myself, why? Is it several brands racing, is it all the different fac- tory support, or is it the fact that there is no H-D factory involve- ment? Just a thought. Mel Joos Letters to the editor can be sent to voices@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News. Letters should not exceed 150 words and are subject to editing. Anonymous letters won't be considered for publication and each letter should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number… Editor P16

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